Discover that nutrition works better than filling up. Go for 100%!
Some time ago, I was invited to share my story for an innovative intervention program named DWELL (Diabetes WELLbeing), which will support patients with type 2 diabetes in self-managing their disease.
I hope my story inspires you to take good care of yourself, despite limitations, and to get the best out of life!
Where I come from
A few years ago, I was tired and listless, had constant stomach pain, had an insatiable craving for food and sweets, was constantly thirsty, regularly became shaky until I ate something again, slept poorly, my hormones were not functioning properly, and I did not ovulate. I was diagnosed with PCOS. This is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and the development of type II diabetes mellitus.
Now, a few years later, I feel like a completely different person! I can intensely enjoy a well-functioning body and have energy to spare at the end of the day.
This process all started with two decisions: choosing a fulfilling, active life that suits me, and the search for healthy food that would truly nourish me. After all, there is a big difference between filler and nutrition ;-)!
Step 1: nutrition
Every body is different. It is therefore useful to find out what your body needs. For example, I benefit from a high protein intake. However, there is something that all people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are sensitive to: products that cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels! This includes both refined and natural (fruit) sugars and (fast, processed) carbohydrates. These carbohydrates also convert rapidly into glucose, or blood sugar. Due to reduced insulin sensitivity, the glucose released into the blood is not properly absorbed into the cells and remains in the blood. This causes a rise in blood sugar levels, with all the associated symptoms and consequences.
I have therefore made a rigorous decision: I no longer eat products with added sugars and carbohydrates that are quickly converted into sugars. In doing so, I pay close attention to both the Glycemic Index and the Glycemic Load of products. No more sweet cookies, pastries, chips, pasta, bread, or fries for me!
The result is amazing! My now fit, well-functioning body is so rewarding that I have no trouble letting this go. I feel like a completely different person! In addition, the PCOS condition is under control. For the first time in years, I have properly functioning hormones and regularity in my menstrual cycle again.
Do you want to know how such a diet works in practice? You can find a lot of information in the ‘Sugarchallenge’ books, among others. Carola van Bemmelen.
Step 2: a fulfilling, active life
What form of exercise do you enjoy? What gives you energy? What stimulates you, moves you? What makes you enthusiastic? What gives you new inspiration and ideas? What gives you peace and relaxation?
These are the activities that suit you! It can be anything: such as yoga, bootcamp, making music, walking in nature, etc. All activities that actually drain energy, that leave you tired, stressed, or uninspired, are things you are better off letting go of or finding an alternative solution for. These have a negative impact on your blood sugar levels and your immune system. Really take a moment to reflect on this.
I have discovered for myself that dancing, running, and drawing and painting make me very happy and relaxed, especially when it comes to portraits of people and animals. While drawing and painting, you look with different eyes. It is a meditative state of being, in which form, color, and tone reveal themselves under your hands. You detach from time for a moment. I enjoy sharing this with others as well.
In addition, I have a great passion for horses and what they can mean to people. I help people and horses regain balance through private lessons and equine coaching. Horses are in the moment. They challenge you to get there too and make genuine contact with what is present at that moment.
So. After sharing my story with you, I am very curious about what makes you happy and energetic, and how consciously you choose ‘nutrition’!
Kind regards,
Marin
Need more information? Feel free to contact us.